An Act to Designate January 6th as A Day to Remember and to Preserve the Accounts of Witnesses to the Events of January 6, 2021
The bill mandates the State Archivist to gather and preserve firsthand accounts from a variety of witnesses, including members of the congressional delegation and local residents who were in the Capitol on the day of the events. This collection is intended to provide insight and a deeper understanding of the significance of January 6, 2021. Furthermore, the bill entails collaboration with educational institutions and civic organizations to create materials that can educate the public and facilitate ongoing conversations about civic engagement and the rule of law.
LD702 is an act designed to designate January 6th each year as a commemorative day known as 'A Day to Remember' in honor of the resilience of democracy during the events that took place in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. This bill invites the citizens of Maine to reflect upon the values of democracy and encourages civic participation. The Governor is tasked with issuing an annual proclamation to observe this day, promoting awareness and discussions surrounding democratic principles and civic responsibilities.
The sentiment surrounding LD702 is broadly supportive among those advocating for remembrance and reflection on democratic values. Proponents believe that by officially recognizing this day, the state can promote discussions to reinforce civic responsibility. Conversely, there may be skeptics who see the necessity and implications of commemorating such events differently, emphasizing concerns about the politicization of the commemoration and differing interpretations of the events of January 6th.
While the act appears to be largely uncontroversial in its aim to promote democracy, some may argue about the effectiveness and appropriateness of memorializing such a contentious historical event. The requirement that the State Archivist conduct interviews and provide annual reports may also raise questions about funding, resources, and the logistics involved in preserving these accounts and creating educational content.